DR PONG
KastanienAllee
Ask around for directions to this one… the discovery is half the adventure!!
EberswalderStrasse U2
8pm- til late, 7 days a week.
If having a laugh and a bit of friendly competition in a non-judgemental, value for money environment sounds like your ideal hideaway then this is exactly what you’ll find at Dr. Pong.
Situated very near Eberswalder Strasse U-Bahn this unassuming shopfront does a great job of disguising the minimalist treasure hidden behind.
Inside one can discover an eclectic group of student types eagerly striding around a singular Table Tennis table, all vying for the win that is rewarded with only the non-forthcoming glory. Each participant takes their shot and moves around the table in a fast paced yet orderly fashion until their error sees them out of the game. Depending on the group size games can take anywhere between 5-10 minutes, so you’re never waiting long for the next game, just long enough to get a refreshment or take a ‘pinkle-pause’ in fact. If hours of storming around the table sounds tiring, then simply chill in the lounge by the bar.

DR PONG

Having been in operation for over 6 years and gaining a strong underground following it is surprising not to see this establishment packed to the rafters. I suppose the limitations of a single table keep the masses at bay, but it makes for the perfect understated, yet entertaining night out.  A €5 deposit is required to obtain a bat from the bar and the DJ is provided free!
Minimalist. Interactive. Social. Funky.
DR PONG comes alive

ALTERNATIVE BERLIN Walking Tour
Leaving from underneath the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz, outside Starbucks; daily at 11.00.
Tel 01628198264; www.alternativeberlin.com

Berlin building mural

If you’re not one for the mainstream, it is highly recommended you take the Alternative Berlin Walking Tour. Unlike many of the other walking tours on offer, this motley crew of experienced guides avoids drowning you in historical facts, care little for architectural feats and pound the pavements less travelled by the regular tourist. Embracing the city’s subculture, the company hopes only to share Berlin’s active underground lifestyle whilst encouraging preservation of unique communities and environments. If you prefer to play by night, the 666 Night Crawl is the perfect introduction to the theme pubs, techno clubs, gay bars and other nightlife in the city.

Alternative Berlin

The tours are free to take but the operators do work on a tip basis and are worth their weight in gold. The average tip is around 10€ but there is no minimum. Tour operators are budget-respectful and just ask that you donate what you feel you can or what your experience was worth.

The only outlay required for this journey is a Tageskarten (day ticket) for the local rail system. A pass for zones AB will cost you 6.10€

FAIRTRADE DINING
A dining phenomena I’ve only found in Berlin, the fair trade ethos has transcended into the restaurant business. Many of these restaurants operate very successfully in Berlin thanks to the liberal and generous nature of Berliners. Upon entry you pay between €1-2 for your glass that you can then refill over the course of the evening with a selection of wines made available at the bar. Once you have finished your meal, you pay whatever you feel the experience was worth. Some establishments operate a buffet, some offer a set menu and others provide a selection. The quality and service can vary greatly, but we’ve found two that come highly recommended.

UN-NAMED #1
5 GriebenowStrasse
10435 BERLIN
ph. 406 90951
This delightful eatery offers a set 3 course set menu of fresh organic produce and a wide range of red and white wines. The décor is modern/retro doused in warm reds and ambient lighting, yet a trip to the bathrooms will take you to a colourful kitsch wonderland. If you’re lucky you might be treated to the comical and energetic barbershop quintet who randomly dines here. The glass will cost you €1 to get you started with the food being served quickly thereafter. The service is fast and friendly, making for a great overall dining experience. Reservations are advised for weekend visits and large groups. If you go on a weekday around 8pm you should have no problems getting a table.
Situated on a back street of Zionskirchplatz, the restaurant is conveniently positioned between Rosenthaler Platz, Senefelderplatz and EberswalderStrasse U-Bahne stations. From Rosenthaler Platz walk north up Weinbergsweg past the park. The road then becomes Kastanienallee. At Schwedter Strasse turn left, then left again at Griebenow Strasse. The unnamed and unsigned restaurant is there on the corner of Greibenow Strassse and WollinerStrasse. If you are coming from EberswalderStrasse, travel south down Kastanienallee on the M1 tram and get off at Zionskirshplatz. Walk back towards Schwedter Strasse and carry on as above.

Restaurant Frarosa

RESTAURANT FRAROSA
40 ZionskirchStrasse
Prenzlauer Berg
10119 BERLIN
Ph. 657 06756
Reservations are highly recommended for this restaurant, as the tables fill up quickly on any night of the week. Although the maitre de lacks friendly charm, the quality of the dishes soon smooth over any bad feelings. At Frarosa you have a choice of any two entrees, aperitifs and mains, to be followed by a desert if you wish. The course sizes are small but reasonable enough to be satisfying without over indulgence, the chef obviously choosing quality over quantity to impress the clientele. Your initial outlay for the glass here is €2 and again you have a wide range of reds, whites and rosés to compliment the gourmet fusions that change daily.

Pizza on the move

PIZZA A PREZZIE
OranienStrasse
Kreuzberg
(Kottbusser Tor)
and
FRATELLI
RosenthalerStrasse
Prenzlauer Berg
(WeinmeisterStrasse)
Great for the budget conscious, both of these pizza houses offer pizza by the slice for €2. The slices are large and made with a selection of delicious toppings for the most discerning pizza critic. Beware the olive pips. Eat in or takeaway.

Zebra, Crocodile, Springbok

Cant afford a trip to Africa?? Restaurateur Soloman has recreated a small piece of Africa in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, just a short walk from Eberswalder Strasse. Vegetarian dishes are on offer alongside gourmet meats such as Ostrich, Zebra, Springbok and Crocodile. Stylish and authentic décor takes you to his homeland, the menu presented neatly on a handcarved wooden board, the bill delivered in a crafted wooden seed bowl. The food here is fresh not only in quality, but the fusion of flavours are new and exciting. Fruit flavoured beers – mango, banana, passionfruit - are a perfect accompaniment to the exotic menu. Prices vary, but are considered reasonable given the range, the experience and the service with a smile.
Here’s a way to experience the style and flavours of Africa without the cost of a plane ticket.

Massai, Prenzlauer Berg

MASSAI
12 LychenerStrasse
Prenzlauer Berg
10437 BERLIN
Ph. 4862 5595
www.massai-berlin.dde
Note: Also located at 35 GoltzStrasse,
Shonenberg, 10781,
BERLIN. Ph.2191 2190

Imagine a restaurant venue operated by a gay asian pirate with caribbean heritage and a penchant for kitsch décor, American cuisine and rockabilly tunes and you’d probably be imagining something close White Trash Fast Food. Lets not forget the underground bat-cave-esque club area down stairs for an added twist. Upstairs you can grab a meal of burger and fries followed by a night of loud, smokey entertainment downstairs.

White Trash Fast Food

Anything alternative tinged could be your sounds for the evening, from rockabilly to country trash, punk and blues rock with attitude.

WHITE TRASH FAST FOOD
6/7 Schönhauser Allee
Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
Ph.5034 8668
www.whitetrashfastfood.com

If you need to find somewhere that caters for a range of tastes or dietary requirements try the menu at Malzcafe. The vegetarian fare is extensive, with the lasagne scoring highly
for tastiness. The restaurant itself has an outdoor dining area or comfortable seating inside, there are even some floor cushions to sink into if you prefer. Decorated with painted murals on walls and ceilings Malzcafe has plenty of character. This establishment rates highly for quality and large servings at a very reasonable price.

Malzcafe, Prenzlauer Berg

MALZCAFE
99 KnaackStrasse
Prenzlauer Berg
10435 BERLIN

Ishin Japanese

Anyone who has been to a traditional Asian canteen will appreciate the simplicity of the environment, which is very true to its homeland diner style. Free green tea and speedy service make up for its lack of ambience, as does the great prices. All day Wednesday and Saturday or any day between 11-4pm is Happy Hour, making the low prices even cheaper. A great way to fill up on fresh and healthy food, quickly and cheaply!

ISHIN
Japanese Deli
24 MittelStrasse
FriedrichStrasse
Mitte District
Ph.2067 4829
BERLIN

Sake sushi bar

If you have a budget that allows a small indulgence, or just feel you need a light refreshing meal then you can’t go past a good sushi bar. This bar is stylish, blending traditional and modern décor to create an ambient and classy atmosphere in a small intimate environment. The nigiri is prepared in front of you from the stocks of fresh sashimi on display at the bar. A selection of small Japanese tasters and cool sake, enough to satisfy a light hunger, will cost around €15 although you can have smaller snacks for between €4-7 or larger party platters to share from €42.

SAKE
Sake and Sushi Bar
33 Schuterstrasse
Charlottenburg
10629 BERLIN
Ph. 2435 5756

Cucina Casalinga

Located conveniently near to the U-Bahn of Senefelder Platz, this huge pizzeria offers spacious indoor or alfresco dining and a wonderful selection of gourmet pizza options. The restaurant is obviously a favourite with the punk rock community with posters and fan elegies covering the brightly painted walls….even Pennywise’s guitarist has scribed his love of Cucina Casalinga. Pizza’s here will set you back €6-8 and are large enough to share between two and delicious enough to have all to yourself!

CUCINA CASALINGA
Pizzeria & Trattoria
12 Schonhauser Allee
Prenzlauer Berg 10119 BERLIN
ph. 4401 7333